System and methods for inspecting tire wheel assemblies

Abstract

A system includes a tire inspection station configured to inspect a tire of a tire wheel assembly. The tire inspection station includes a lifting assembly configured to lift and rotate a tire wheel assembly disposed in the tire inspection station, movable centering arms adjustably positionable to center a hub of a tire wheel assembly relative to the lifting assembly, and top and bottom camera assemblies configured to image sidewalls of the tire wheel assembly when it is lifted. The system further includes software configured to process images from the camera assemblies and display results of the processing. The system additionally includes a wheel inspection station comprising a camera. The system further includes software configured to process images from the camera to verify wheel properties.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 783,722, filed Mar. 14, 2013, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. The present application further incorporates herein by reference the entire disclosure of Appendices A-D attached hereto.COPYRIGHT STATEMENT[0002]All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for inspecting tires, wheels, and tire wheel assembli...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for inspecting tire-wheel assemblies (TWAs) during the manufacturing process. The system is made up of devices, cameras, and computer algorithms that work together to move and inspect TWAs efficiently. The system uses laser distance sensing and servo positioning technology to accurately centering and lifting the cameras in place. It can also prevent TWAs from being accepted if they are outside of certain parameters. The system may be trained manually or by analyzing data from tires and wheels. The lift jaw mechanism ensures that no slippage occurs during rotation of an engaged TWA. The TWA inspection system allows for automatic inspection of TT and WA type, data capture of all relevant DOT codes, and easy audit of all captured information for quality control and safety recall purposes.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, many automobile manufacturers today limit much of their manufacturing activities to final assembly of subassemblies and other large components.

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